About Me

For nearly three decades, in both print and electronic journalism, I wrote about politics, social issues and more. Now I add occasional thoughts on music, books and theater to my portfolio and hope you'll join in.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Way to go, Scott Brown!

U. S. Senator Scott Brown was one of five Republicans to break ranks and side with Democrats on a $15 billion jobs measure that passed the Senate today 62-30. The goal of the bill is jobs creation. In fact, Brown was the first Republican to join support of the bill, and then he was followed by Christopher Bond of Missouri, Maine Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe,and Ohio Senator George Voinovich.

This bill frees companies hiring unemployed workers from having to pay payroll taxes on them through the end of this year. The bill also provides a $1000 credit if the employee stays for a year. Optimists project that tens of thousands of new jobs will result.

The New York Times quotes Brown as saying he will also push for an across-the-board cut in payroll taxes.
In his run for office, Brown had promised to be independent-minded , put principle above politics and do what’s right for the people of Massachusetts and the nation. To those who thought this was merely campaign rhetoric, this is a hopeful sign.

Can Washington really turn its back on reflexive partisanship, especially in an election year? Polls show strong support for that happening. But is Congress listening?

Congressman Steven Lynch (D-South Boston) said this morning that both parties have indulged in too much “group think,” focusing too much on what people wanted for their parties and not on what daily life is to the American people. He says the people want “common sense leadership.”

This Senate vote on the jobs legislation may just be a step on the road to common sense. Thumbs up to Scott Brown for exercising leadership.

I've read the Milligan article in this morning's Globe, and now know that he voted first. My impression of her article was the question whether it was newcomer excitement about making a vote, or savvy political skill making a point. I never thought about the alphabetical order of the roll call.